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The global cost of living calculators have been created to compare the cost of living in every country and major city in the world, to help you manage short and long term assignments (page down for a description of each cost of living calculator):

International Cost of Living Help

Kuwait is in the Middle East, bordering the Arabian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The climate is dry desert with intensely hot summers and short, cool winters.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken in business and socially, some knowledge of Arabic is always appreciated. Some sections of the non-Kuwaiti population also speak Persian (Farsi) and Urdu. There is a wider use of English due to the large number of South Asian expatriates working in all sectors of the Kuwaiti economy. The main religion is Islam.

The economy of Kuwait is a small, relatively open economy with proven crude oil reserves of about 96 billion barrels, i.e. about 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 95% of government income.

In Kuwait conservative local Islamic sensibilities should be respected. Expatriate men should not directly address Kuwaiti women in the street. Couples should not display affection in public places. Alcohol is banned. Expatriate business dress is conservative and respectful of Muslim and Arab cultural sensitivities. Suits for expatriate men, while expatriate women are required to dress conservatively covering the arms and legs.

The security risk for expatriates in Kuwait is low. Risks include low levels of petty and violent crime, and unexploded landmines, booby traps and cluster bombs in the desert from the Gulf wars.

The currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted.

Medical facilities are of a good standard but can be expensive.

The population of Kuwait is 4 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 0.4% for Kuwait as at December 2018.

Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for Kuwait is based on the current personal income tax rate of 0% as there is currently no personal income tax.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Kuwait as at 1 January 2019 is average in comparison to other places in the world.

In Kuwait, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very Low2) Clothing: High3) Communication: High4) Education: High5) Furniture & Appliances: High6) Groceries: Very Low7) Healthcare: Average8) Household Accommodation: Average9) Miscellaneous: High10) Personal Care: Very High11) Recreation & Culture: Very High12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very High13) Transport: Very Low

Kuwait is for example -25.4% cheaper than USA for groceries, -13.5% cheaper for household costs than UK, and 33% more expensive for transport costs than India.

Kuwait is ranked as a extreme hardship location.

The hardship premium for Kuwait for an expat from Australia, is for example 30%, i.e. host location (Kuwait) premium of 40% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.

Want to know more about cost of living, hardship (quality of living) or expat salary in Kuwait? Register subscribe to your home location and Kuwait and run your personalised reports.